The exhibit, Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty, will explore the lives of six slave families at the former president’s Monticello plantation. The exhibit opens January 27 and runs through October 14.

“Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence and called slavery an ‘abominable crime,’ yet he was a lifelong slaveholder,” the Smithsonian website reads.

Personal belongings and working tools will be on display. In addition, visitors will be able to learn about the families’ connections to one another, the slaves’ religious faith and their efforts to pursue literacy and freedom.